Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting: UK to Begin Fasting on Two Different Dates

Ramadan 2026 will begin on two different dates in the United Kingdom after divided moon sighting decisions. Some mosques will start fasting on 18 February following Saudi Arabia’s announcement, while others will begin on 19 February after local verification. The split reflects ongoing global moon sighting differences.

Ramadan 2026: UK Announces Two Start Dates

Ramadan 2026 will begin on two different days across the United Kingdom. The split follows conflicting moon sighting announcements.

Saudi Arabia confirmed the Ramadan 2026 moon sighting on the evening of 17 February. Authorities there declared Wednesday, 18 February, as the first fast. Several UK mosques chose to follow that announcement. They will offer Taraweeh prayers tonight and begin fasting on 18 February.

However, other UK Islamic organisations rejected early confirmation. The Central Jamiat Ahl-e-Sunnat UK announced that Ramadan 2026 in the UK will start on Thursday, 19 February. These groups prefer local moon sighting verification rather than relying on Saudi Arabia.

Why Ramadan 2026 Dates Differ in the UK

Islamic months follow the lunar calendar. Scholars determine the start of Ramadan 2026 after sighting the crescent moon.

Some communities follow Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting decision. Others rely on UK-based sighting reports. Astronomers expect better visibility on the evening of 18 February in Britain. If confirmed locally, fasting will begin on 19 February.

This difference has led to two Ramadan 2026 start dates within the UK.

Global Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting Update

Saudi Arabia and several Gulf states will observe the first fast on 18 February.

Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei did not sight the crescent on 17 February. These countries will begin Ramadan 2026 on 19 February.

The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Pakistan is also going over reports. It is predicted that, because of official confirmation, Pakistan will start Ramadan 2026 on 19 February.

• Saudi Arabia-follower mosques will begin Ramadan 2026 on 18 February.
• The mosques in the UK that are awaiting the confirmation of the moon sight will start on 19 February.

The worshippers are advised to look at the announcements in their local mosque about the updates on the moon sighting of Ramadan 2026.